So Called "Open" Frag Swap

[xXxSpyderxXx]

before anyone posts a comment please read EVERYTHING. so here is what i have noticed this frag swap coming up this weekend is supposedly open to anyone and everyone who wants to set up a tank. we are using the store of GMaquarium, and you may all be thinking yea hes a nice guy letting us use his pace to host this. but whats really going on behind the scenes? well let me tell you.

first off let me tell you a quick story of ho RUDE and money hungry this guy is. i came to him asking to order some acrylic containers for my ants, and he said he had similar but not what i was looking for. after a bit of chatting with him i got it out of him that yes he could order what i was looking for, so i asked him if he would. he simply refused and said to me that i was not worth his time he had people spending $1000's in stuff and i was a wast of time to help. wow what a jerk, wont help out a customer! it doesn't matter if someone is spending $1000 or $1 everyone should be treated the same, thats customer service. so ive secretly shoped at his store a few times (secretly because he doesnt know im xXxSpyderxXx on RC, and only once have i recived good customer service and thats when he was gone and his parents where running it)


but back to the frag swap. so this is "open" to anyone wanting to setup a tank right? WRONG! according to several people GMaquarium is hand picking who is setting up. now how is he doing this you ask? well if you have not bought from him (or he doenst know you have) you are not on the list, if you havent spent enough at his shop you are not on the list, if your not good friends with him or you dont have alot of posts on here you are not on the list. how is this fair and open? if we are going to have a frag swap i thought the point was to meet new people and allow everyone to bring a tank.

also i messaged him and mentioned i was going to come and stay the whole day Saturday (like several others ive seen say they where doing) and he messages me back telling me i was not welcome to stay the full day, well why am i not welcome? why are other welcome? how much do i have to spend at your store to be welcome to?

GMaquarium what you dont know is i have spent money at your store, much more than you think. also i am not impressed by your store, your invert tanks are A MESS!!! tanks are dirty as can be!!! also your tank in the back with the puffer the size of a basketball, dude that is WAY OVER STOCKED!!! so before you shoot down people remember you dont know everyone by face and name on here. you are after pure profit only!!! and thats sad! im 121212132% sure the only reason u agreed to the frag swap at your place is ti draw in more customers for you and not out of the goodness of your heart for the love of reefing.


frag swaps should be fair and equal for all, no all about money hungry people, or pick favorites. will i be attending the frag swap this weekend? NO i will not. and i planned on spending several hundred on a new tank at the swap also! sorry GMaquarium you just lost out on close to $1000. i was planing on getting a new tank at your store.


i suggest next frag shop we rent out a place and allow EVERYONE to set up stands. im thinking if each person wanting to setup and stand paid a few $'s we could easily rent a place for 2 days. vendors could also bring a stand and be a apart of it, of course they would pay a bit more than us but would be great exposure. this way everything is fair and on neutral ground, we dont have a greedy shop owner picking favorites. these events are supposed to be fun and about meeting everyone and socializing, not making a profit and exposure.

i know several other agree to what i have said above. you may not post in here and say you do but i figured it was time for someone to take a stand on this "private circle" we have going here, treating others differently.

 

[NirvanaFan]

Ibtl....

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

Ibtl....

if it gets locked then thats garbage. no reason this should be locked, it should be kept open for all to comment on and actually come out and say something. i was raised to stand up for whats right, no idea about everyone else. but what he is doing is not right!

 

[tent boy]

The people at ABC are among the nicest people I know. They have shown an interest in what I buy and how it will coexist in my tank. I have been to other stores who will sell anything and everything regardless of how old the tank or what else is in it. The have saved me TONS of money by the information they have given to me "free of charge". Maybe you should try running a business spider and see how easy it is. Or better yet, maybe you should have the swap at your house since your the expert. Its so easy to be negative isn't it.

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

The people at ABC are among the nicest people I know. They have shown an interest in what I buy and how it will coexist in my tank. I have been to other stores who will sell anything and everything regardless of how old the tank or what else is in it. The have saved me TONS of money by the information they have given to me "free of charge". Maybe you should try running a business spider and see how easy it is. Or better yet, maybe you should have the swap at your house since your the expert. Its so easy to be negative isn't it.

never stated i was an expert. and yes he will give you information "free of charge" if you shop there alot and spend tons of money. if he doesnt know you or doesnt see you often he could care less about you. want me to film next time im there for you?

also i stated how we could run it next time.

and as far as running a business i never stated it was easy, i stated he was rude and only cared about the high rollers who came in.


p.s. its "spyder" not "spider" thanks.

 

[pilotguy]

The people at ABC are among the nicest people I know. They have shown an interest in what I buy and how it will coexist in my tank. I have been to other stores who will sell anything and everything regardless of how old the tank or what else is in it. The have saved me TONS of money by the information they have given to me "free of charge". Maybe you should try running a business spider and see how easy it is. Or better yet, maybe you should have the swap at your house since your the expert. Its so easy to be negative isn't it.

I only shopped there once and based on my experience it was pretty poor. I did get the sense that since no one had seen me before or knew me, I wasn't important. A few people came into the store after I did and they were helped first and they did spend a good deal of money. After they were served I was asked if I needed help. I politely said no and continued on my way. It was my one and only experience and I won't be back to that location. I do agree with spyder(spelling ok :hmm5 that a swap is for everyone and if favoritism is taking place due to a monetary value spent at the host store, just don't go.
The reason I am not going is due to work, not a boycott. Just to be clear.
Hope everyone enjoys the swap, hopefully I'll make the next one.

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

i think the next one should be at a rented location, as a result many many more tanks can be setup and EVERYONE can set a tank up that wants to. also it wont be crowded and plenty of room will be offered. doing so will also assure that the event is not being hosted for profit or for exposure.

 

[cardiffgiant]

The original post is the exact opposite of my experiences with G.

He opens the front room of his shop to the community to use for meeting space. He sells boxes of Reef Crystals at cost. He hosts swaps. These things help his business indirectly, but are above and beyond what other small businesses do.

Someone else would have to say for sure, but I'd expect that G has more requests for table space than he can support and is trying to limit space to folks that are most likely to make the event successful. In my interactions with G, I have been given 0% indication that he'd operate in any other way.

 

[GMaquarium]

Interesting. This morning he asked if he can hang out all weekend and bring a wii to play video games. I said no because there may be too many people in the shop. I guess open means we make an arcade out of my shop.

The acrylic work you wanted me to do would cost more in my time and material than whaty is being sold complete online. Sorry we are not an acrylic tank manufacturing company.

I have yet to say no to anyone who wants to set up. I have not met or even know half the people who called or emailed about setting up frag tanks. So the list and secrets you speak of are new to me.

We do not get into childish discussions. We are trying to make an event for this club that would make this club somthing more than a classified ad section.

I am sorry you are not impressed by our shop and do not like me. I thank you for the feedback and will do my best to improve.

Please keep in mind that we are balancing quite a few things and are trying to make everyone happy. Perhaps someone can help you spyder be a little happier too.

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

The original post is the exact opposite of my experiences with G.

He opens the front room of his shop to the community to use for meeting space. He sells boxes of Reef Crystals at cost. He hosts swaps. These things help his business indirectly, but are above and beyond what other small businesses do.

Someone else would have to say for sure, but I'd expect that G has more requests for table space than he can support and is trying to limit space to folks that are most likely to make the event successful. In my interactions with G, I have been given 0% indication that he'd operate in any other way.

a spot should be offered to everyone not to just those who are more well known.

as far as selling reef crystals almost every store sells them for the same. no idea what that has to do with anything?

as far a swaps they help his business directly. a swap over 2 days draws a bigger crowed then he probably gets on a week, and chances are anyone going to buy frags or swap them will end up buying some from him.

also if u want some indication i can post some screen shots of convos i have had with him where he states that im not worth his time because im not spending thousands like others are. yea he didnt know i had an account on RC but thats not the point. point is everyone should be treated the same whether ur a member here, or u spend $1 or $1000.

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

Interesting. This morning he asked if he can hang out all weekend and bring a wii to play video games. I said no because there may be too many people in the shop. I guess open means we make an arcade out of my shop.

The acrylic work you wanted me to do would cost more in my time and material than whaty is being sold complete online. Sorry we are not an acrylic tank manufacturing company.

I have yet to say no to anyone who wants to set up. I have not met or even know half the people who called or emailed about setting up frag tanks. So the list and secrets you speak of are new to me.

We do not get into childish discussions. We are trying to make an event for this club that would make this club somthing more than a classified ad section.

I am sorry you are not impressed by our shop and do not like me. I thank you for the feedback and will do my best to improve.

Please keep in mind that we are balancing quite a few things and are trying to make everyone happy. Perhaps someone can help you spyder be a little happier too.

let me post wat i sent you for everyone. and see how you just lied on what i said.


Originally Posted by xXxSpyderxXx
hey, ill be at the frag swap Saturday like all day (unless my gf makes me leave lol)

i was wondering if you had anything planned as like filler time or anything? like maybe it would be sweet if i brought my wii or xbox 360? we could all get together and play like wii sports or something, or blk ops. just an idea. i dont have a TV to bring tho lol.

let me know, just an idea.

if its a go let me know what system i should bring and if you had any games in mind i should bring.




^^^^ as u can see i was simply trying to be helpful and i DID NOT say all weekend, get ur facts right bro. also dont make me post screen shots of the convo on facebook where you state that you can ORDER them but its not worth your time.

 

[cardiffgiant]

a spot should be offered to everyone not to just those who are more well known.

as far as selling reef crystals almost every store sells them for the same. no idea what that has to do with anything?

as far a swaps they help his business directly. a swap over 2 days draws a bigger crowed then he probably gets on a week, and chances are anyone going to buy frags or swap them will end up buying some from him.

also if u want some indication i can post some screen shots of convos i have had with him where he states that im not worth his time because im not spending thousands like others are. yea he didnt know i had an account on RC but thats not the point. point is everyone should be treated the same whether ur a member here, or u spend $1 or $1000.

Yes, every store sells reef crystals. I don't recall any other stores selling cases at cost. Maybe some do, but that stood out to me as an above and beyond type of thing for a small business to do.

I don't need you to agree with me on this, or anything else. Just making sure that my point is understood.

 

[GMaquarium]

please be so kind to post my reply to you and share with all what I have done to deserve this. Thanks for slandering me. Most of what you said is a lie.

And that evil pure profit that you speak of by the way is helping to pay for my new private jet.

 

[kawicivic]

I live halfway across the country and find this thread extremely entertaining.

If you don't like his business don't go. Why do you think he needs to value your $1. Maybe he doesn't. That is his choice. There are plenty of businesses that wouldn't bend over backwards for $1. He already said you could purchase the product online as a complete product for a similar price - there are times when things are not worth your time. Your project may be taking him away from higher priorities which would cause him to push off your project - be thankful you found a business person that was willing to tell you that and not string you a long after you make a deposit.

Sounds like this is the old 3 sides to every story - yours, his, and the truth. Nothing is going to become of this thread - that is why someone posted IBTL.

Can anyone send me some popcorn and beer? I bet there are like 3 more posts to this thread since I have been typing...

 

[tent boy]

Can the mods close this!!!!!! If you dont like a business, then don't go there. Spider, why don't you get medication for your anger issues. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE IF YOU DON'T LIKE A BUSINESS. Let every person for themselves decide if they like the business. I DO. Not sure if this is the place for this CRAP!!!!

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

please be so kind to post my reply to you and share with all what I have done to deserve this. Thanks for slandering me. Most of what you said is a lie.

And that evil pure profit that you speak of by the way is helping to pay for my new private jet.

will do


this is what you replied with

"Interesting idea but I think we can do without video games. Hopefully there will not be a need for filler time. I am not sure if we will be able to fit all the people in the store so, keep in mind we will also have our regular freshwater customers coming in so I would ask you to come for a shorter duration of time. I am not sure what will happen if a large group of same people hang out all day. "


and let me point on where you state "I would ask you to come for a shorter duration of time."

now please tell everyone else there they are not allowed to stay for the daily event. they most come, look around and leave. how can other state they will be going for the day yet you say nothing to them??

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

I live halfway across the country and find this thread extremely entertaining.

If you don't like his business don't go. Why do you think he needs to value your $1. Maybe he doesn't. That is his choice. There are plenty of businesses that wouldn't bend over backwards for $1. He already said you could purchase the product online as a complete product for a similar price - there are times when things are not worth your time. Your project may be taking him away from higher priorities which would cause him to push off your project - be thankful you found a business person that was willing to tell you that and not string you a long after you make a deposit.

Sounds like this is the old 3 sides to every story - yours, his, and the truth. Nothing is going to become of this thread - that is why someone posted IBTL.

Can anyone send me some popcorn and beer? I bet there are like 3 more posts to this thread since I have been typing...

every $1 adds up. and every customer should matter no matter how big or small. also it would not take him away from anything to simply order the product while he ordered his other stuff. thanks for the reply tho

 

[xXxSpyderxXx]

Can the mods close this!!!!!! If you dont like a business, then don't go there. Spider, why don't you get medication for your anger issues. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE IF YOU DON'T LIKE A BUSINESS. Let every person for themselves decide if they like the business. I DO. Not sure if this is the place for this CRAP!!!!

anger? what anger? lmao!!!

only one typing in all caps here is you lmao!!!!

 

[Stusdesktop]

Total opposite of my experience with g.

In the time we've been wandering around reef shops that we've spent less than $200 in the store. It doesn't seem to make a difference, G makes time to say hello, talks about tanks (as well as lots of other things) and doesn't get upset if we just browse and don't actually buy. He offers advice when asked and doesn't try to sell us anything over and above what we're looking for.

I'd like to say thank you to G for at least trying to get a frag swap going in the Rochester area, it's not like anyone else is taking the lead. While you may not personally like the way things are being done, it's his store, his time and ultimately his choice over how it runs.

 

[Flanders]

I have never been to this store or met this person but his response to your idea seemed polite enough to me. And let's be honest, it was kind of a strange idea!